Business steps forward in national HIV and TB response

Johannesburg, South Africa (ILO News) - South Africa’s private sector has committed to strengthening its role in tackling HIV and tuberculosis (TB) following a high-level engagement with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Chairperson of the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC).

Held under the SANAC Private Sector Forum (PSF), the meeting marked a shift from dialogue to concrete action, emphasising collaboration between government and business to address national health challenges.

A Call to Action

Deputy President Mashatile framed the engagement as a turning point, highlighting the link between health outcomes and economic performance. With around 7.8 million people living with HIV and over 200,000 new infections annually, workforce health remains critical to productivity and growth.

A key outcome was the expansion of the PSF to include Provincial Private Sector Forums (PPSFs). This decentralised structure ensures coordinated, locally responsive action across provinces, positioning the PSF as a national delivery platform.

The meeting drew strong participation from business leaders, including representatives from major companies and Business Unity South Africa (BUSA). New employers also expressed interest in joining, signalling growing recognition that employee health is both a business priority and a social responsibility.

Business leaders committed to measurable actions across key areas, including leadership and active participation in the PSF; investment in HIV, TB, mental health, and prevention; integration of health into business strategies; and accountability through targets and outcomes. Blended financing models were also emphasised to sustain programmes amid declining donor funding.

Key Priorities for Action

1. The Deputy President outlined six priority actions:
2. Expand workplace HIV testing and TB screening
3. Support rollout of Lenacapavir (long-acting HIV prevention)
4. Strengthen youth prevention programmes
5. Invest in mental health and wellness
6. Address gender-based violence
7. Support local pharmaceutical manufacturing

The engagement highlighted the importance of integrated healthcare, recognising the links between HIV, TB, non-communicable diseases, and social challenges. Businesses are expected to play a key role through workplace programmes, awareness campaigns, and innovation.

The ILO played a catalytic role in strengthening collaboration between government and business to advance South Africa's HIV and TB response. Through its strategic and technical support to the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) Private Sector Forum Board, the ILO helped shape the high-level engagement between the Deputy President and captains of Industry, reinforcing private sector commitment to workplace health priorities.

The ILO also strengthened the visibility and leadership of Business Unity South Africa, contributing to more inclusive social dialogue and stronger public-private collaboration.

The event concluded with a clear message, addressing HIV and TB requires collective leadership and coordinated action. With expanded structures, stronger business participation, and political support, South Africa is positioned to scale up its response.

For the world of work, this collaboration is critical to protecting workforce health, improving productivity, and advancing sustainable, employer-led health solutions.